Introduction to Cell Theory

Important Documents









Guiding Questions

1. What is cell theory?
2. Why is cell theory important?
3. What is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?

TEXTBOOK LINK:
Intro to Cells

Vocabulary

prokaryote - a cell without a visible nucleus
eukaryote - a cell with a visible nucleus
cell - the smallest unit of life
cell wall - surrounds cell and provides structure and protection (found only in plant cells)
cell membrane - outer covering of cell that allows nutrients to move in and out of the cell
nucleus - the control center of a cell; contains DNA
mitochondrion - converts nutrients into energy for the cell
vacuole - storage 'bubble' inside cell that may hold water, nutrients or waste
chloroplast - converts radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy the plant can use as food
cilia - small, hair-like structures that help a cell move
flagellum - a long whip-like structure that helps a cell move
cytoplasm - the jelly-like liquid inside a cell in which organelles float
autotrophic - an organism that makes it own food through photosynthesis
heterotrophic - an organism that must get its nutrients from other organisms
chromosomes - a piece of DNA that contains many genes
structure - how something is made
function - how something works or what it does
DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid; the code found in the nucleus of every cell.




Important Links

Cell Stucture for Kids
Cell Craft Game
Cell Inspector
Cells Alive!
Cell Games
Fun Videos:

Cell Rap

The Cellular Song

Cellular Haze